The government, through the National Heroes Council, has officially invited the public to submit nominations for individuals to be considered for declaration as national heroes.
In a public notice on the MyGov publication dated Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Council announced that proposals for nominations are now open and can be submitted by individuals, organisations, institutions, or groups of people.
“Pursuant to provisions of Section 22 of the Act, the public is hereby notified that the Council is calling for the submission of proposals for the nomination of suitable persons to be recommended for declaration as national heroes,” read the notice in part.
The council has announced that completed nominations must be submitted within 21 days from the date of the notice, on or before July 21, 2025, ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2025.
According to the council, to qualify for consideration, nominees must have selflessly contributed or sacrificed for the country in one of the 14 recognised functional areas listed in the First Schedule of the Act.
These areas include: liberation struggle, spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values and practices, arts, sports, scholarship, professionalism and research, peace-making, statesmanship, entrepreneurship and industry, philanthropy, human rights, national cohesion and integration, and environmental conservation.
The nominees
Nominees must also embody national values as outlined in Article 10 of the Constitution, including selflessness, courage, innovation, discipline, and perseverance.
Nomination forms can be found on the Council’s website at www.heroes.go.ke and submitted via email to [email protected], hand-delivered to their offices, or sent via the post office.
The National Heroes Council was established by the Kenya Heroes Act, No. 5 of 2014 (the Act). The mandate of the Council is to identify, select and provide for the recognition of national heroes.
President William Ruto feted nearly 142 heroes during the 2024 Mashujaa Day celebrations, recognising them in 14 categories, including sports, philanthropy, statesmanship, and indigenous cultures.
Some of the benefits that the heroes currently enjoy include receiving commendation certificates, medals, having statues and monuments erected in their honour, and having books written in their glory.
